OXFORDSHIRE – THATCHED 17TH CENTURY INN

The village of Clifton stands some 6 miles south of the market town of Banbury, just a few miles from the junction of the M40 motorway. The university city of Oxford is 18 miles due south. The excellent communication links make it an extremely popular residential location, one that commands some of the highest property values anywhere in the United Kingdom.

At the centre of the village on a crossroads is the Duke of Cumberlands Head, a very attractive historic property being Grade II listed, dating back to the 17th century and first recorded as a public house in 1774. It is of very pleasing appearance being mellow Oxfordshire stone beneath and pitched and thatched roof. It stands in a large plot of approaching 0.5 of an acre an has excellent character bars and restaurant facilities. It has 7 en suite letting bedrooms (6 of which are self-catering) and also a well appointed campsite. There are also very convenient trade gardens which more than double the capacity of the traditional pub. The property has been considerably upgraded and refurbished over the last 8 years and the quality of the improvements and the refurbishment will be evident to all who view. The property must be viewed to be appreciated.

TRADE AREAS
Open plan BAR, restaurant and games facilities which would at one time have been a myriad of small rooms but aer now run as an open plan bar although the GAMES SECTION is slightly independent. The room has tiled floor throughout, heavily beamed ceiling, feature inglenook fireplace with oak beamed lintel and raised hearth with cast iron canopy over. The room has a fully equipped bar servery which has rustic panelled frontage and mirror display back fitting. There is traditional assorted seating throughout with tables and chairs able to cater for up to 60 customers. As previously stated, there is a games room with pool table and darts throw.

The catering facilities are a good size with a large CATERING KITCHEN with Altro nonslip flooring, comprehensive selection of stainless steel catering effects and worksurfaces and fully stainless steel panelled walls. Adjacent is a PREPARATION ROOM as well as a DRY STORE/FREEZER ROOM. Adjacent to the catering kitchen is an enclosed service compound and situated therein is a purpose-built unit which houses the BEER CELLAR.

Toilets and ablution block located at ground floor with easy access from the trade garden and the campsite. A set of LADIES', GENTLEMEN’S and DISABLED customer TOILETS. Also within this ablution block are three separate shower rooms.

LETTING ACCOMMODATION
There are 7 high quality en-suite letting bedrooms, each extremely well appointed and recently refurbished as follows:
BEDROOMS 1 to 5 are self-catering lets, all of double size with LOUNGE and KITCHEN area as well as EN SUITE BATHROOMS
BEDROOM 6 is a double size room hotel room with an EN SUITE BATHROOM.
BEDROOM 7 is a double size room and is located at ground floor level, it has an EN SUITE WETROOM making it suitable for disabled use and it is also equipped for self-catering.

EXTERNAL
Outside there are two separate garden areas. One is a patio with gravel and adjacent to the main entrance which is at the rear of the property slightly beyond which is an enclosed lawned garden with ‘A’ frame picnic style bench seats etc able to cater for over 100 customers seated and there is a permanently constructed stone and brick double BBQ unit. and a timber children’s climbing frame, swing etc.

To the front of the property is a forecourt area which could allow for further customer seating.

ADDITIONAL CAMPSITE
Available in addition is a campsite which extends to 1.5 acres. This currently houses 15 pitches (10 tents and 5 caravans), 12 of which have electricity points. Our clients also have shepherd's huts and there is a sectionally built LAUNDRY ROOM. This land and campsite can be purchased in addition by separate negotiation if desired.

Our clients have owned the property since May 2016 and purchased it when it had been closed for a few years. Over the next 18 months they undertook a complete refurbishment programme which was further upgraded during the Covid period to create the self-contained letting units.

This is reflected in trade with accounts for the year ended March 2023 expected to show takings inclusive of VAT of £500,000. This trade is split 35% wet sales, 35% food sales and 30% from the accommodation.

This turnover has also been achieved from relatively limited trading hours with our clients having another business, the pub being closed all day Monday and only open during the evenings during the week and closed on Sunday evenings. The split of turnover will also highlight to prospective purchasers undoubted scope for developing the catering side of the business further. In March 2024 the Owners decided to close the pub.

PLANNING CONSENT
We are advised that plans were previously passed to provide more service facilities to the rear of the pub adjacent to the service compound and also to create further accommodation above. As these works were commenced the planning consent is believed to be still current and active.

FREEHOLD £550,000 to include and the trade inventory. Stock at valuation in addition.

No direct approach to be made to the business; please direct all communications through Sidney Phillips.

Viewing strictly by appointment only.

Under the terms of the Premises Licence the business is permitted to retail alcohol:
Monday to Saturday:10:00—23:00
Sundays: 12:00—22:30

Mains electricity, water and drainage are connected. LPG gas tank. Gas fired central heating.
Local Authority: Cherwell District Council
Rateable Value as at 01 April 2023: £16,000
EPC: This property is Grade II listed and therefore an EPC is not required.